What mood does this chapter one set for the reader

The mood is tense and fearful. Uri takes Stopthief to a stable filled with other boys. They tease him for being small and stupid. They ask if he is a Jew, explaining they are all Jews. Stopthief says he is a Gypsy. When the stableman arrives, they run. Stopthief and Uri return to Uri's home in the cellar of a barbershop.